Friend,

Like many of you, my heart is heavy with what our country has experienced over the past few days.

From San Diego to Minneapolis to Louisville to New York City, Americans are grief-stricken, angry, and looking for justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many other Black lives who have been killed without us ever knowing their names. Some are awakening to these injustices for the first time, while many others have lived with them throughout their lives. And it’s all happening while COVID-19 still threatens our communities.

My heart is with the family and friends of those we have lost. It’s with peaceful protesters who are dealing with wounds from rubber bullets and tear gas. With small business owners who were already struggling to get through this recession now trying to figure out if they can afford to repair the damage to their storefronts. It’s with every young person looking around and wondering if it’s worth it to try, or if this country is broken beyond repair.

Like many of us, I’m leaning on my faith right now. And in times like this, I often go back to my favorite Talmudic quote: ‘Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.’

It is clear we are at a defining moment, and now, more than ever, we cannot settle for the way things have always been done. We cannot watch as another series of protests and anguish go unanswered. We cannot and will not be distracted by the very few who have attempted to exploit this moment for personal gain. Destruction of property is wrong, but the unjust murder of Black lives is unacceptable. We need to say loudly and clearly, all together, that Black Lives Matter.

And as difficult and heavy as everything is right now, I have hope. I have seen people who have spoken up and spoken out for the first time. Young people who are realizing how powerful their voices can be. Community members from all backgrounds and beliefs coming together and demanding change.

I hope you’ll join me in committing to the hard work needed to reconstruct an America where we finally realize the hallowed words of our founding -- that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I look forward to working alongside you.

In solidarity,

Sara